This area of open space and tranquillity is still close to the urban centres of Liverpool, Formby and Southport though and can be easily reached by car or public transport.

Its sand dunes, beaches and marshes are some of the most important areas for nature conservation in Europe and provide a beautiful destination for visitors, with popular bathing beaches, open countryside and the Victorian seaside resort of Southport.

The coast’s sand dunes form the largest dune system in England and provide habitats for rare and endangered species such as the Sand Lizard, Natterjack Toad, Great Crested Newt and Red Squirrel.

It is one of Europe’s premier birdwatching locations with more than 300 different species of birds being recorded to date. The RSPB’s Marshside Nature Reserve is also one of the most important places in the country for wintering wildfowl, with the number of birds found there often exceeding 40,000.